When using a capo on your guitar, one of the common questions that arises is whether you should tune your guitar before or after placing the capo. This decision can affect the overall sound and intonation of your instrument. In this article, we will explore the factors to consider when deciding whether to tune before or after using a capo.
- Tuning Before Placing the Capo
Tuning your guitar before placing the capo is a commonly preferred approach. This method ensures that your guitar is in standard tuning or the desired tuning, and then the capo is applied to create the necessary pitch adjustment. Here are some advantages of tuning before the capo:
- Accuracy: Tuning before the capo can provide more accurate results because you are tuning to standard pitch.
- Consistency: You maintain the familiar pitch relationships between the strings, resulting in a more harmonious and familiar sound.
- Intonation: When you tune before using the capo, you are less likely to affect the guitar’s intonation, which is essential for playing in tune up and down the neck.
- Quick Adjustments: If you need to switch capo positions or remove the capo during a performance, your guitar remains in standard tuning, allowing for quick and precise adjustments.
- Tuning After Placing the Capo
Some guitarists prefer to tune their guitar after placing the capo. This approach may be more appropriate in specific situations, such as when you want to match the pitch of another instrument, like a piano. Here are some considerations for tuning after the capo:
- Matched Pitch: Tuning after placing the capo can help you match your guitar’s pitch with another instrument’s pitch, which might not be in standard tuning.
- Creative Sound: Tuning after the capo can lead to unique sounds and unconventional tunings, allowing you to explore creative possibilities.
- Capo-Induced Variations: Placing the capo can sometimes slightly alter the pitch of the strings, especially if you’re using a capo with a high degree of pressure. Tuning after the capo can help compensate for these variations.
- Experimentation: Some guitarists prefer this approach when experimenting with non-standard tunings that involve the use of a capo.
Conclusion
Whether you tune your guitar before or after placing a capo largely depends on your specific needs and preferences. Tuning before the capo is the more common and accurate approach, suitable for maintaining consistent pitch relationships and reliable intonation. However, tuning after the capo can be a valuable technique in situations where you need to match the pitch of another instrument or explore creative, non-standard tunings. Ultimately, the decision should be based on the sound you want to achieve and the context of your playing. Experiment with both methods to find what works best for your musical goals.
